Surgical Pencil Enabling Suction

ABSTRACT

Described herein generally are surgical pencils which define a channel to enable suctioning of materials and methods of operating the surgical pencils. In one example embodiment, the surgical pencils perform cutting and coagulation. In one example embodiment, the surgical pencils include a lighting device.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation-in-part of, claims priority to andthe benefit of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12/615,211 filed on Nov.9, 2009, which claims priority to and the benefit of U.S. provisionalpatent application No. 61/199,299, filed Nov. 14, 2008, the entiredisclosure each of which are incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Electrosurgical pencils, or just surgical pencils, have long been usedin the medical field for surgical procedures as both a cutting deviceand a coagulating device. These two uses require two different electriccurrents with different wave forms. The different electric currents areprovided to the electrosurgical pencils generally from an external powersource such as an electrosurgical generator. The electrosurgicalgenerator provides electricity in different wave forms and transmits itto the apical end of the electrosurgical pencil that houses a smallblade, or other surgical tool, that facilitates the cutting and thecoagulating functions. The electricity is transmitted from the tip ofthe pencil to a ground attached to a patient's body, thereby elicitingthe desired function at the small blade attached to the surgical pencil.

The body of a surgical pencil houses a circuit board which is controlledby a switch with appropriate buttons to select and regulate the flow ofdifferent electrical wave forms resulting in the desired surgicalpresentation, e.g. cutting or coagulation. For example, a surgicalpencil might have two buttons, one to engage cutting of tissue and theother button for engaging coagulation of tissue. The buttons themselvesare either located on the pencil itself in a location that is ergonomicfor the surgeon or on foot pedals which the surgeon engages with his/herfoot. Both types of button configurations are presently available on themarket. Both types of surgical pencils are equally as effective, buttheir use is dependent on the surgeon's preference.

Typically, surgical procedures using surgical pencils require anadditional person at the surgical sight to remove potentially harmfulmaterials such as smoke, blood, tissue or other bodily fluids.Additional people at the surgical sight can increase the cost of thesurgical procedure. Further, it may increase the difficulty inperforming the surgical procedure due to crowding.

Additionally, despite the success of surgical pencils, there is a needin the art for surgical pencils that have a means for adequatelyilluminating the surgical site as the tool is being used. Describedherein are surgical pencils fulfilling that long felt need in the art.

SUMMARY

Described herein generally are surgical pencils providing a physicianwith illumination of a surgical site. There is a long felt need in theart for such devices as visualizing of a target surgical site can beburdensome during delicate and otherwise exhausting surgical procedures.The surgical pencils described herein can be retrofitted with a lightingdevice, can be manufactured incorporating a lighting device or can befitted with a preformed lighting device.

In one embodiment described herein is a surgical pencil for providing anilluminated surgical site comprising a surgical instrument having afirst end, a second end, and elongated structure and a surgical toolassociated with the first end; and a removable lighting deviceassociated with the first end of the surgical instrument and operable bya surgeon having a power button, at least one light and a matingmechanism to connect the removable lighting device to the surgicalinstrument.

In one embodiment, removable lighting device is formed of an elasticpolymer or a rigid polymer. In other embodiments, the mating mechanismhas a shape that can compliment at least one shape included on thesurgical instrument and thereby secure the removable lighting device tothe surgical instrument.

In another embodiment, the at least one light is a fiber optic lightingelement and/or at least one LED light. The light or lights can beprovided in a circular arrangement. The removable lighting device can bepowered by a built-in battery and/or be disposable.

In yet another embodiment, the removable lighting device is reusablewith the same surgical instrument or a different surgical instrument.

In still other embodiments, the removable lighting device is safe to atleast one sterilization technique including, but not limited to gammairradiation, pressure sterilization and/or steam sterilization.

Further, described herein is a lighting device comprising a powerbutton, at least one light, a housing and a mating mechanism to connectthe lighting device to a surgical instrument. In one embodiment, themating mechanism is an expandable housing formed of an elastic polymer.The polymer can be a rubber if elastic or can be a rigid polymer.

In still further embodiments, the mating mechanism has a shape that cancompliment at least one shape included on the surgical instrument andthereby secures the removable lighting device to the surgicalinstrument.

In some embodiments, the at least one light is a fiber optic lightingelement and/or an LED light. The light can be provided in a circulararrangement.

In one embodiment, the surgical pencil defining a channel which enablessuction. In one embodiment, the surgical pencil includes a suctiondevice. In one embodiment the surgical pencil is configured to removablyconnect to a separate suction device.

Additional features and advantages are described herein, and will beapparent from, the following Detailed Description and Figures.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates a prospective view of a conventional surgical pencil.

FIGS. 2A, 2B and 2C illustrate an exemplary lighting device. FIG. 2A isa side view, FIG. 2B is a top view and FIG. 2C is a front view.

FIGS. 3A, 3B, 3C and 3D illustrate the attachment of the exemplarylighting device from FIG. 2 onto a surgical pencil. FIG. 3A is aperspective view, FIG. 3B is a bottom view, FIG. 3C is a front view andFIG. 3D is a back view.

FIGS. 4A, 4B, 4C and 4D illustrate another exemplary lighting device.FIG. 4A is a side view, FIG. 4B is a back view, FIG. 4C is a front viewand FIG. 4D is a top view.

FIGS. 5A, 5B and 5C illustrate the attachment of the exemplary lightingdevice from FIG. 4 onto a surgical pencil. FIG. 5A is a perspectiveview, FIG. 5B is a front view and FIG. 5C is an alternate front view.

FIGS. 6A and 6B illustrate a surgical pencil with at least one lightingdevice manufactured into the surgical pencil. FIG. 6A is a perspectiveview and FIG. 6B is a front view.

FIG. 7 illustrates a front, left side perspective view of one embodimentof the surgical pencil, illustrating the surgical tool being in anextended state.

FIG. 8 illustrates top, left side perspective view of the surgicalpencil of FIG. 7, illustrating the circuit board.

FIG. 9 illustrates a bottom perspective view of the surgical pencil ofFIG. 7, illustrating the elongated tube being received by the firststructure and the second structure.

FIGS. 10A and 10B illustrate front, left side perspective view of thesurgical pencil of FIG. 7, illustrating the cutting tool moving from theextended position to the retracted position.

FIG. 11 illustrates a cross-sectional perspective view of the surgicalpencil of FIG. 7, illustrating the cutting tool and the elongated tubebeing formed or made from the same material.

FIG. 12 illustrates a schematic diagram of the electronic configurationof the surgical pencil of FIG. 7, illustrating a processor, a memorydevice, input devices and output devices.

FIG. 13 illustrates a front, left side perspective view of oneembodiment of the surgical pencil, illustrating the suction channelbeing positioned under the cutting tool.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present description generally provides surgical pencils whichprovide a physician with illumination of at least a portion of asurgical site. There is a long felt need in the art for such a device asvisualizing a target surgical site or a portion thereof can beburdensome during a delicate and otherwise exhausting surgicalprocedure. The surgical pencils described herein can be retrofitted witha lighting device, can be manufactured incorporating a lighting deviceor can be fitted with a preformed lighting device.

Referring to FIG. 1, a conventional surgical pencil is illustrated.Surgical pencil 100 generally includes first end 102, second end 104,and elongated structure 106 and surgical tool 108 associated with firstend 102. Surgical tool 108 can take many forms which are known in theart, but an exemplary tool is a metal tip that is used to seal cutsduring surgery. Surgical pencil 100 further includes first button 110and second button 112 each independently used to cut and cauterizeduring surgery. In one embodiment, first button 110 can be used tocauterize and second button 112 can be used to cut. The oppositeconfiguration is also possible. Surgical pen 100 also includes cable 114which provides power to the device's surgical tool 108. Alternatively,surgical pencil 100 can include an independent power supply such as aself contained motor or battery.

Surgical pencil 100 can be contoured to fit comfortably within aphysicians hand during surgery. For example elongated structure 106 canhave one or more contours, for example, slope 116 for resting andgripping with one or more fingers. Further, first button 110 and secondbutton 112 are located on elongated structure 106 at places that areeasily accessed with one or more fingers during surgery without loss ofdexterity and accuracy of surgical pencil 100.

The devices described herein further provide surgical pencil 100 with alighting device used to illuminate the surgical site for which surgicalpencil 100 is being used. The lighting device can be independentlypowered, for example by an internal battery, or can be poweredexternally, for example, by the pencil itself. Even further still, thelighting device can be retrofitted onto surgical pencil 100, can bemanufactured into surgical pencil 100 or can be fitted onto aproprietary surgical pencil.

One example of a lighting device described herein is illustrated inFIGS. 2A-C. Lighting device 200 has substantially cylindrical body 202with first end 204 and second end 206. The shape of lighting device 200can be any shape conceivable in the art, for example, rectangular,triangular, or the like. At least one light 208 is located on first end204 and projects light waves therefrom.

Lighting device 200 has at least one button 210 for controlling light208. Button 210 can be any style button that controls the functions oflight 208. For example, a push button can be used to turn light 208 onand off. Alternatively, a twisting button can be used to further controlthe intensity or focus of light 208. In one example embodiment, a singlebutton can incorporate both the functions of a push button and twistbutton.

Lighting device 200 further includes at least one attachment mechanismto couple lighting device 200 to surgical pencil 100. In one exampleembodiment, the attachment mechanism is slide rail 212 having a leadingend 214 and a trailing end 216. Slide rail can further include at leastone locking mechanism, for example, indentations 218, 218′ to holdlighting device 200 onto surgical pencil 100.

FIGS. 3A-D illustrate the accompanying mechanism located on surgicalpencil 100. Surgical pencil 100 includes mating mechanism 302 to engageslide rail 212 located on the lighting device 200. Mating mechanism 302can be located, for example, on the bottom of surgical pencil 100. Inother embodiments, mating mechanism 302 can be located on the side ofsurgical pencil 100 or on the top. The location of mating device 302 isdependent on the needs and comfort of the operating surgeon. Slide rail212 can slide within mating mechanism 302 until leading end 214 abutsstopping point 304. Mating mechanism 302 includes at least two rails 306on top of which slide rail 212 can advance until stopping point 304.Mating mechanism can further include at least one locking mechanism, forexample, protrusions 308, 308′ to hold slide rail 212 within matingmechanism 302.

Alternatively, mating mechanism can be progressively narrower as sliderail 212 is advanced to stopping point 304. Such an approach will allowfriction to hold lighting device 200 on surgical pencil 100. Othermethods of mating lighting devices to surgical pencils can be used, forexample, snaps, VELCRO®, glue, bands, locking rings, and the like.However, whichever method is used, lighting device 200 should be securedto surgical pencil 100 in such a manner as to not allow disconnectionduring a surgical procedure.

Another example lighting device is illustrated in FIGS. 4A-D. Lightingdevice 400 includes expandable body 402 which is generally circular. Atleast one light 404 is located on front end 406 on projects light wavestherefrom. In one example embodiment, light 404 is a circular light thatcompletely spans the circumference of front end 406.

Lighting device 400 further includes control flap 408 which includes atleast one button 410. Button 410 can be any style button that controlsthe functions of light 404. For example, a push button can be used toturn light 404 on and off. Or, a twisting button can be used to furthercontrol the intensity or focus of light 404. Button 410 can be of asimilar style to buttons found on a surgical pencil. In one exampleembodiment, a single button can incorporate both the functions of a pushbutton and twist button.

In one example embodiment, lighting device 400 can be formed into theshape of a finger grip. Even further, on some embodiments, a surgeon caninstantly custom mold their particular grip into a lighting device orthe lighting device can be manufactured having a particular finger gripconfiguration. Manipulatable hydrogels and other polymers can be used toinstantly conform the lighting device to a particular finger gripconfiguration. Such hydrogels are commonly referred to as “memory gels”in the polymer arts. Further, the lighting device can be configured forright and left hand gripping.

FIGS. 5A-C illustrate how lighting device 400 is mated with surgical pen100. Lighting device 400 is made of an expandable material, therefore,before being installed on a surgical pencil, the diameter of expandablebody 402 is preferably smaller than the diameter of the surgical pencil.Lighting device 400 is pulled over first end 102 of surgical pencil 100until it is snug. Expendable body 402 of lighting device 400 allowsfriction to provide a snug fit around surgical pencil 100.

In one example embodiment, the lighting device 400 is installed ontosurgical pencil 100 in such a location that button 410 is situated as athird button on the top of surgical pencil 100. This location for button410 allows a surgeon easy access to the functions and features not onlyof the surgical pencil itself, but also the attached light.

Yet another example lighting device is illustrated in FIGS. 6A-B.Lighted surgical pencil 600 is a modified version of surgical pencil 100illustrated in FIG. 1 that has at least one light 602 manufactured intoor as part of a surgical pencil. Surgical pencil 600 has at least oneadditional button 604 for controlling at least one light 602. Additionalbutton 604 is located adjacent to first button 110 and second button 112for ease of use and can be any style button that controls the functionsof at least one light 602. For example, a push button can be used toturn at least one light 602 on and off. Or, a twisting button can beused to further control the intensity or focus of at least one light602.

In FIGS. 6A and B, at least one light 602 is located within housing 606.Housing 606 is preferably manufactured from similar materials as thesurgical pencil itself and is meant to be streamlined so as to notinterfere with the use of and grip onto the surgical pencil.

The light used herein can be any light that provides sufficient light toadequately illuminate a surgical site. Exemplary lights includefluorescent lights, light emitting diodes (LEDs), xenon lights, fiberoptic lights (e.g. light guides) and the like. For example, in oneembodiment, lighting device 400 can include a fiber optic light that issituated in a circle spanning the diameter of front end 406 thereof. Inanother embodiment, multiple LEDs can be situated in a circular patternaround the same circumference.

The selection of light can be dependent on the type of lighting deviceused and the particular surgery. For example, in a disposable lightingdevice, a lower cost LED light or lights can be ideal. However, in ahigher cost reusable precision lighting device, a xenon light or fiberoptic light can be ideal.

The lighting devices described herein are generally powered by one ormore batteries. However, the lighting devices or lights themselves canbe powered by the current running through the surgical pencil. Forexample, illuminated surgical pencil 600 can have at least one lightthat is powered by the current running through the pencil. If one ormore batteries are used, they should be small enough to fit within thebody of a lighting device.

The lighting devices themselves have bodies or casings made ofnon-conductive materials such as polymers. Exemplary polymers include,but are not limited to polyurethanes, silicones, polyesters such aspolyolefins, polyisobutylene and ethylene-alphaolefin copolymers;acrylic polymers and copolymers, ethylene-co-vinylacetate,polybutylmethacrylate, vinyl halide polymers and copolymers, such aspolyvinyl chloride; polyvinyl ethers, such as polyvinyl methyl ether;polyvinylidene halides, such as polyvinylidene fluoride andpolyvinylidene chloride; polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl ketones; polyvinylaromatics, such as polystyrene, polyvinyl esters, such as polyvinylacetate; copolymers of vinyl monomers with each other and olefins, suchas ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymers, acrylonitrile-styrenecopolymers, ABS resins, and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymers;polyamides, such as Nylon 66 and polycaprolactam; alkyd resins;polycarbonates; polyoxymethylenes; polyimides; polyethers; epoxy resins,polyurethanes; rayon; rayon-triacetate; cellulose, cellulose acetate,cellulose butyrate; cellulose acetate butyrate; cellophane; cellulosenitrate; cellulose propionate; cellulose ethers; carboxymethylcellulose; synthetic and natural rubbers such as polysiloxanes, latex,polymerized isoprene, bromo isobutylene isoprene, chloro isobutyleneisoprene, polychloroprene, chlorosulphonated polyethylene, ethylenepropylene, ethylene propylene diene monomer, fluoro silicone,hydrogenated nitrile butadiene, polyisoprene, isobutylene isoprenebutyl, methyl vinyl silicone, acrylonitrile butadiene, acrylonitrilebutadiene carboxy monomer, styrene butadiene, epichlorodydrin; andcombinations thereof.

The polymer or combination of polymers chosen to form the bodies orcasings of the lighting devices must be rigid enough to hold aparticular configuration and perform its intended function. In someexample embodiments, the polymer used is a thermal set rigid plastic. Inother embodiments, the polymer is a flexible nylon or rubber polymer.For example, a lighting device as illustrated in FIGS. 4 and 5 can beformed of a flexible rubber or nylon polymer that has a shape memorythat can stretch and return to its original un-stretched form after use.

One or more lens is used in conjunction with the lighting devicesdescribed herein to focus the light onto the surgical tissue or tissuesof interest. The lenses can be made of plastics or glass or may beformed of a transparent polymer used to make the housing. The lenses canbe made to provide a particular local length to the light. For example,curvature of the inner or outer surface of the lens, thickness of thelens, refractive index of the lens and the like can be used to provide aparticular focal length. An exemplary focal length of the light isgenerally from the lens to the tip of the cutting device. Such a focallength can be adjusted, however, using a button or a dial to move thelens closer or farther from the light. An exemplary focal length isabout 3.0 cm, or about 4.0 cm or about 5.0 cm. In one exemplaryembodiment, the focal length is about 4.5 cm.

The lighting devices, in one embodiment, can be reusable. In such acase, the lighting devices are washable and sterilizable usingconventional sterilization techniques. For example, the lighting devicesmust be sealed sufficiently to allow multiple washings with a detergentor alcohol based cleaner without damaging the device. Further, forexample, the devices can be sterilized using gamma irradiationtechniques.

In other example embodiments, the lighting devices are disposable. Suchsingle use devices are generally used for a single surgical procedureand then discarded in an appropriate manner consistent with healthregulations. Even if a lighting device is disposable, the surgicalpencil used does not have to be disposable. For example, anon-disposable surgical pencil can be used with many disposable lightingdevices.

The lighting devices described herein generally emit light in thevisible range to aid a surgeon in a surgical procedure by illuminatingthe target surgical site. However, in addition to illuminating thetarget surgical site, the lighting devices can further include a laserlight source to provide guidance to a surgeon by providing a lineindicating where the incision is likely to end up. Such a laser lightcan indicate to a surgeon where exactly a cut using the surgical pencilis likely to proceed. This laser light source can be useful in avoidingdelicate tissues.

Other specific visible wavelengths of light can be used. For example, iffluorescent surgical markings are used to indicate cuts to be made on atarget tissue, a conventional “black light” can be used in the lightingdevices described herein to highlight the surgical markings.

Even further still, in some embodiments, the lighting devices caninclude a microchip that wirelessly communicates with virtual surgicaldevices. For example, virtual surgery techniques provide computergenerated surgical markings which can be followed by a surgeon on one ormore displays. With a microchip as described, virtual surgical devicesystems can track the location of the surgical pen relative to thesurgical markings and depict that location on a screen with one or morevirtual markings. Such an embodiment can aid a surgeon for example in amicrosurgery.

The microchip can also be associated with a gyroscope. The gyroscope canprovide the microchip with information about the surgical pencil'sorientation. Based on this information, the microchip can control thefocus and direction of light emitted from a lighting device. Forexample, lighting device 200 can include a microchip and gyroscope. Insuch an embodiment, light 208 can be directed by a microchip. So, if asurgeon moves the pencil in a particular direction, the gyroscopedetects that change in direction, the microchip translates thatdirectional change and the direction and focus of at least one light ischanged to accommodate for this directional change. This gyroscopicsystem can aid a surgeon by keeping the light focused and steady despitesmall changes in angular movement by the surgeon's hand. In other words,the light remains stabilized despite small movements of the hand.

The lighting devices and illuminated surgical pencil devices describedherein provide specific advantages for patient and physician comfort aswell as to a surgeon's stamina by illuminating the surgical site locallyfrom the surgical pencil itself. One advantage, if desired, is allowingthe surgery to take place under ambient or low ambient light conditionswithout sacrificing complete and accurate visualization of a targetsurgical field or a portion thereof. These capacities can be ideal for asurgeon and surgical team used to working long hours under bright lightsthat generate intense heat in order to visualize the target surgicalarea and that can result in previously unavoidable surgeon discomfortand fatigue. Additionally, it is not uncommon for a surgeon to bewearing several layers of clothing along with surgical barriers,including gloves, face barriers, goggles, hats, and overcoats, to name afew, during a given surgical procedure, further contributing to thediscomfort and fatigue normally associated with hot and bright surgicalworking environments.

Compounding matters, the complexity of contemporary operating rooms hasincreased over the years as a result of the extra equipment, fixtures,associated power cords and the like required for ever more complicatedsurgeries. Such situations are not conducive to comfortable,non-fatiguing surgical environments. The ease of use and ambientlighting requirements of the presently described lighting devices andilluminated surgical pencil devices can address and overcome theseissues.

As an additional benefit directly from the present lighting devices andilluminated surgical pencil devices, the ambient or low ambient lightingconditions that now can be utilized without sacrificing visualizationand control also reduce reflected glare and high contrast shadows in thesurgical environment that, in the past, could confuse or possibly evenoverwhelm the vision of the surgeon. Previously, a related visuallimitation in surgery was that a surgeon commonly required surgical teammembers or students to position themselves out of certain areas in orderto reduce shadows that they might cast on the target surgical site. Thisresulted in limiting their view of the surgery. The present lightingdevices addresses this problem by reducing shadows and increasingvisibility, especially of the target site by providing light directly tothe surgical site from the surgical pencil itself.

Similarly, it is not uncommon for a surgeon to look away from a targetsurgical site in order to change or to move equipment, to take a mentalbreak, or to communicate with a surgical team or students. Upon lookingback onto the traditional target surgical site, the surgeon would haveto wait briefly to allow his eyes to adjust to the high intensitylighting, causing delays in the procedure. The present lighting devicesand illuminated surgical pencil devices eliminate this problem undernormal or low ambient light conditions while still providing effectivesurgical reference indicia.

Even further still, the use of the present lighting devices andilluminated surgical pencil devices allows a surgical team to positionthemselves in the most appropriate location for the surgery, notnecessarily where the high intensity light and resulting shadowsdictate. Moreover, the present lighting devices and illuminated surgicalpencil devices provide an ideal environment for students to observe aprocedure in comfortable ambient to low ambient light conditions withoutthe associated fatigue.

The use of ambient or low ambient light in medical or surgical processesand the resulting reduced heat and complexity in the operating room alsoadds to the comfort of a surgical patient and enhances the compliance ofthe patient with the needs of the surgeon. Patient comfort during asurgical procedure is very important, especially when the patient isunder local anesthesia and is conscious. It is not uncommon for brightlights to be focused on at least a portion of a patient, typically onthe target surgical site. Such lighting systems can get hot and make apatient uncomfortable. Patients who are uncomfortable commonly are moreon edge, squirm and/or twitch, or are tense. These are not idealsituations for a patient undergoing surgery. The present lightingdevice's ability to adequately illuminate a surgical site without theneed to direct high intensity lighting during use can simplify andshorten a medical procedure, provide enhanced patient comfort andcompliance, and improve the medical procedure's outcome; all whileproviding the surgeon with enhanced visual control of the process.

Surgical Pencil Enabling Suction

In one example embodiment, the surgical pencil includes or defines achannel or passage which enables suctioning and discharging of materials(e.g., smoke, blood, tissue, and/or other bodily fluids). In someembodiments, the surgical pencil includes a suction device that isseparate from the surgical pencil. In other embodiments, the surgicalpencil includes the suction device. That is, the suction device isentirely integrated within the surgical pencil.

In the general operation of one embodiment, during a surgical procedure,the surgical pencil can enable a user to: (a) operate the surgicalpencil as a cutting device; (b) operate the surgical pencil as acoagulation device; and (c) suction materials (e.g., smoke, blood,tissue and/or other bodily fluids) at the point of surgery. The user isalso enabled to cause the surgical pencil to operate in an extendedstate or a retracted state. In one example embodiment, where thesurgical pencil has an extended state, a surgical tool (e.g., a metaltip) is extended such that the metal tip may be used to seal a cutduring surgery. In one example embodiment, where the surgical pencil hasa retracted state, the surgical tool is retracted such that the surgicaltool is housed or enclosed by a component of the surgical pencil. Inthis example, with the surgical tool being in a retracted state, theuser is enabled to position an end of the suctioning channel closer tothe point of surgery to provide for a more effective suction ofmaterials.

In one example embodiment, whether or not the surgical pencil issuctioning is independent of the surgical pencil's operating state(i.e., the extended or the retracted). That is, the surgical penciloperates to suction materials regardless of the current operating stateof the surgical pencil.

As mentioned above, certain surgical procedures relating to cutting andcoagulation require the controlled suction and removal of materials suchas smoke and blood. Using the surgical pencils and methods disclosedherein, the need for a dedicated person at the surgical site to removesmoke and/or blood is eliminated.

Referring now to FIGS. 7 to 11, in one example embodiment, surgicalpencil 700 includes or defines a channel or pathway generally indicatedat 702. As best illustrated in FIG. 11, in this example, channel 702 hasa fairly consistent cross section which runs from one end of surgicalpencil 700 to the opposite end of surgical pencil 700. In this example,surgical pencil 700 includes a plurality of components (discussed inmore detail below) which define the channel. It should be appreciatedthat in an alternative example, the channel or pathway can be defined bya single component such as a single tube, pipe or conduit. In oneexample embodiment, the housing of the surgical pencil defines thechannel or passage 702.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 12, in one example embodiment, surgical pencil700 includes: (a) housing 704 having: (i) a first end portion generallyindicated at 706; and (ii) a second end portion generally indicated at708; (b) surgical tool 710; (c) elongated tube 712 connected to surgicaltool 710; (d) slider 714 connected to the elongated tube 712; (e) firststructure 716 positioned at the first end portion 706 and configured toreceive and direct or support a portion of the elongated tube 712; (f)second structure 718 positioned at the second end portion and configuredto receive and direct or support elongated tube 708; (g) connector 720configured to connect to a separate discharge hose (not shown); (h)cylinder portion 722 removably connected to the housing; (i) lightingdevice generally indicated at 724; and (j) control system generallyindicated at 726.

As illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 11, in one example embodiment, cylinderportion 722 is directly connected to housing 702. In this exampleembodiment, cylinder portion 722 is connected to housing 702 using athreaded connection. As illustrated in FIGS. 8 to 11, cylinder portion722 includes threaded portion 727. In this example, threaded end portion727 enables cylinder portion 722 to be removably connected to a threadedportion (not shown) of housing 702. It should be appreciated that thecylinder portion can connect to the housing using any suitableconnection. In one example embodiment, the cylinder portion ispermanently fixed to the housing. In one example embodiment, thecylinder portion is molded with the housing. That is, the cylinderportion and the housing form a single component of the surgical pencil.

As best illustrated in FIG. 10B, cylinder portion 722 is configured tohouse or enclose surgical tool 710 when surgical 710 is in the retractedstate or position. It should be understood, that where the surgicalpencil has a retracted position, during a surgical procedure, the useris enabled to position the end of the cylinder portion closer to thepatient to provide for a more effective suction for materials such asblood. Furthermore, it should be apparent that the retracted state ofthe surgical pencil may prevent possible injuries caused by the exposureof the metal tip.

In one example embodiment, cylinder portion 722 forms a portion of thesuction channel. For example, as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 11, cylinderportion 722 forms part of the suction channel. In the example surgicalpencil of FIGS. 7 to 12, the suction channel is formed by: (a) cylinderportion 722; (b) elongated tube 712; (c) second structure 718; andconnector 720. As discussed above, it should be appreciated that thesuction channel can be formed in any suitable way. For example, thechannel may be formed by a single tube, pipe or conduit.

It should be appreciated that, in different embodiments, the cylinderportion can employ a different shape. The cylinder portion may be anysuitable shape. For example, in one example embodiment, the cylinderportion can have a square cross section.

In one example embodiment, because the cylinder portion is likelycontact materials such as blood during a surgical procedure, thecylinder portion is configured to be removed and discarded after eachuse. Afterwards, a new cylinder portion may be connected to the housingfor another surgical procedure.

Referring to FIGS. 7 to 11, in one example embodiment, connector 720 hasa ribbed surface. In this example, the ribbed surface enables adischarge hose (not shown) to be connected quickly and easily to thesurgical pencil using the connector 720. In one example embodiment, thedischarge hose is connected to the surgical pencil 700 by pushing thedischarge hose onto the connector 720. In this example, the ribbedsurface ensures that the discharge hose is tight-fit after connection.

In one example embodiment, connector 722 is removably connected to thedischarge hose using a threaded connection.

In one example embodiment, the discharge hose can be connected to aseparate suction device which is configured to cause suctioning of thematerial. In another example, the surgical pencil includes the sectiondevice. That is the suction device is integrated with the surgicalpencil. In one example, where the suction device is integrated withinthe surgical pencil, the surgical pencil includes a chamber whichcollects the materials being suctioned during the surgical procedure. Inone example embodiment, where the suction device is integrated withinthe surgical pencil, the surgical pencil does not include a connectorwhich is configured to connect to the separate suction device.

In one example embodiment, the surgical pencil includes a controlsystem. In one example embodiment, the control system may include atleast one processor, at least one memory device operatively connected tothe at least one processor, at least one input device operativelyconnected to the at least one processor, and at least one output deviceoperatively connected to the at least one processor.

The at least one processor may be any suitable processor unit of a kindnormally used in such devices. In one example embodiment, the controlsystem includes one or more digital processors, such as a digitalmicroprocessor or a microcontroller based platform. In one exampleembodiment, the control system includes one or more analog control unitssuch as a suitable integrated circuit or one or moreapplication-specific integrated circuits (ASIC's). In one exampleembodiment, the control system is in communication with, or operable toaccess or exchange signals with the at least one memory device. In thisexample, the memory device stores program code or instructions,executable by the processor(s), to control the surgical pencil. In oneexample embodiment, such memory device includes: (a) RAM (MRAM); (b)ferroelectric RAM (FeRAM); (c) read only memory (ROM); (d) flash memory;(e) EEPROM (electrically erasable programmable read only memory); or asuitable combination of such memory devices. It should be appreciatedthat any other suitable magnetic, optical, or semiconductor memory mayoperate in conjunction with, or as part of, the surgical pencil.

In one example embodiment, the output devices include at least onedisplay device. In one example embodiment, the display device includesan LCD screen which is located on a front of the surgical pencil, andallows a user to interact with the control system. In one exampleembodiment, the display device includes an interface. Using theinterface, the user may control the operation of the surgical pencil.

The surgical pencil may be configured to cause the display device todisplay at least one of, configuration screens, summary information,error indicators in the case of a malfunction, and/or battery powerinformation.

Referring to FIG. 12, control system 726 includes at least one processor728; at least one memory device 730 operatively connected to processor728; input devices 732 operatively coupled to processor 728; and outputdevices 734 operatively coupled to processor 728. In this example, asillustrated in FIGS. 7 to 12, input devices 732 include: (a) cut button736; (b) coagulation button 738; and (c) light button 740. Outputdevices 1908 include: (a) surgical tool 710; and (b) light device 724.Control system 726 may be a portion of a control system for the surgicalpencil (not shown).

In one example embodiment, the surgical pencil includes a circuit boardwhich includes the processor and memory device. For example, as bestshown in FIGS. 8, 10A and 10B, the surgical pencil includes circuitboard 744.

In one example, the surgical pencil includes a cable or wire whichsupplies power to the control system. For example, as illustrated inFIG. 7, the surgical pencil includes cable 746. In one exampleembodiment, cable 746 provides at least two different electric currentswith two different wave forms. In one example embodiment, an externalpower source such as an electrosurgical generator provides the twodifferent currents with the two different wave forms. In one exampleembodiment, cable 746 provides electrical power to the lighting device.In another example, the surgical pencil includes a battery which isconfigured to provide power to the lighting device. For example, asillustrated in FIGS. 10A, 10B and 11, surgical pencil 700 includesbattery 748 which provides power to light 742.

Referring to the surgical pencil of FIGS. 7 to 12, in this example,surgical tool 710 is configured to move back and forth between: (a) anextended position (as illustrated in FIGS. 7 to 10A and 11); and (b) theretracted position (as illustrated in FIG. 10B). In this example, a userof surgical pencil 700 is enabled to control the position of cuttingtool 710 using slider 714. More specifically, as best illustrated inFIG. 9, elongated tube 712 is connected to slider 714. First structure716 and second structure 718 are configured to receive and directelongated tube 712. Surgical tool 710 is connected to elongated tube712. In response to slider 714 moving, elongated tube 712 is caused tomatingly slide back and forth in first structure 716 and secondstructure 718. It follows that in response to elongated tube 712 movingback and forth, cutting tool 710 moves back and forth.

As illustrated in FIG. 10B, in this example, cutting tool 710 is in aretracted position. During a surgical procedure, a user is enabled toposition the end of cylinder portion 722 closer to the patient toprovide for a more effective suction for materials such as blood. Usingthis example surgical pencil, the need for a dedicated person at thesurgical site to remove smoke and/or blood is eliminated.

In one example embodiment, components of the surgical pencil arearranged such that the formed suctioning channel is positioned bellowthe cutting tool. For example, as illustrated in FIG. 13, surgicalpencil 1300 includes or defines a channel or passage 1302 which enablessuctioning and discharging of materials (e.g., smoke, blood, etc.). Inthis example, channel 1302 is positioned separate from and under cuttingtool 1304.

In one example embodiment, where the surgical pencil enables suction,the surgical pencil does not include a lighting device.

Unless otherwise indicated, all numbers expressing quantities ofingredients, properties such as molecular weight, reaction conditions,and so forth used in the specification and claims are to be understoodas being modified in all instances by the term “about.” Accordingly,unless indicated to the contrary, the numerical parameters set forth inthe specification and attached claims are approximations that may varydepending upon the desired properties sought to be obtained by thepresent invention. At the very least, and not as an attempt to limit theapplication of the doctrine of equivalents to the scope of the claims,each numerical parameter should at least be construed in light of thenumber of reported significant digits and by applying ordinary roundingtechniques. Notwithstanding that the numerical ranges and parameterssetting forth the broad scope of the invention are approximations, thenumerical values set forth in the specific examples are reported asprecisely as possible. Any numerical value, however, inherently containscertain errors necessarily resulting from the standard deviation foundin their respective testing measurements.

The terms “a,” “an,” “the” and similar referents used in the context ofdescribing the invention (especially in the context of the followingclaims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural,unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context.Recitation of ranges of values herein is merely intended to serve as ashorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range. Unless otherwise indicated herein, eachindividual value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein. All methods described herein can beperformed in any suitable order unless otherwise indicated herein orotherwise clearly contradicted by context. The use of any and allexamples, or exemplary language (e.g., “such as”) provided herein isintended merely to better illuminate the invention and does not pose alimitation on the scope of the invention otherwise claimed. No languagein the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimedelement essential to the practice of the invention.

Groupings of alternative elements or embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein are not to be construed as limitations. Each groupmember may be referred to and claimed individually or in any combinationwith other members of the group or other elements found herein. It isanticipated that one or more members of a group may be included in, ordeleted from, a group for reasons of convenience and/or patentability.When any such inclusion or deletion occurs, the specification is deemedto contain the group as modified thus fulfilling the written descriptionof all Markush groups used in the appended claims.

Certain embodiments of this invention are described herein, includingthe best mode known to the inventors for carrying out the invention. Ofcourse, variations on these described embodiments will become apparentto those of ordinary skill in the art upon reading the foregoingdescription. The inventor expects skilled artisans to employ suchvariations as appropriate, and the inventors intend for the invention tobe practiced otherwise than specifically described herein. Accordingly,this invention includes all modifications and equivalents of the subjectmatter recited in the claims appended hereto as permitted by applicablelaw. Moreover, any combination of the above-described elements in allpossible variations thereof is encompassed by the invention unlessotherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearly contradicted by context.

Specific example embodiments disclosed herein may be further limited inthe claims using consisting of or and consisting essentially oflanguage. When used in the claims, whether as filed or added peramendment, the transition term “consisting of” excludes any element,step, or ingredient not specified in the claims. The transition term“consisting essentially of” limits the scope of a claim to the specifiedmaterials or steps and those that do not materially affect the basic andnovel characteristic(s). Example embodiments of the invention so claimedare inherently or expressly described and enabled herein.

In closing, it is to be understood that the embodiments of the inventiondisclosed herein are illustrative of the principles of the presentinvention. Other modifications that may be employed are within the scopeof the invention. Thus, by way of example, but not of limitation,alternative configurations of the present invention may be utilized inaccordance with the teachings herein. Accordingly, the present inventionis not limited to that precisely as shown and described.

1-21. (canceled)
 22. A surgical pencil comprising: a tip formedsubstantially of a metal and configured to perform one of cutting andcoagulation, the surgical pencil having a housing including a channelthrough the housing, wherein the channel through the housing terminatesnear the tip which enables direct suctioning of a material at a surgerysite, and wherein the tip is movable within the channel withoutdisturbing suctioning of the material at the surgical site.
 23. Thesurgical pencil of claim 22, wherein the material includes at least oneof smoke, blood and tissue.
 24. The surgical pencil of claim 22, furtherincluding a lighting device.
 25. The surgical pencil of claim 22,wherein suctioning is not effected by movement of the tip between anextended state and a retracted state.
 26. The surgical pencil of claim22, wherein suctioning is provided circumferentially around the tip. 27.A surgical pencil comprising: a processor; an input device operativelyconnected to the processor; a tip formed substantially of a metaloperatively connected to the processor; a housing including a channelthrough the housing, wherein the channel through the housing terminatesnear the tip which enables direct suctioning of materials at a surgicalsite and wherein the tip is movable within the channel withoutdisturbing suctioning of material at the surgical site; and a memorydevice storing instructions which when executed by the processor, causethe processor, in cooperation with the input device and the memorydevice, to enable the surgical pencil to operate as one of a cuttingdevice and a coagulation device.
 28. The surgical pencil of claim 27,which includes: a cylinder portion configured to removably connect to ahousing of the surgical pencil; and a hose connector.
 29. The surgicalpencil of claim 27, wherein the tip is configured to be movable from aretracted position to an extended position.
 30. The surgical pencil ofclaim 27, which includes a connector configured to connect to a separatedischarge tube, the separate discharge tube being connected to aseparate suction device.
 31. The surgical pencil of claim 27, whichincludes a lighting device operatively coupled to the processor.
 32. Thesurgical pencil of claim 27, wherein suctioning is not effected bymovement of the tip between an extended state and a retracted state. 33.The surgical pencil of claim 27, wherein suctioning is providedcircumferentially around the tip.
 34. A method of operating a surgicalpencil, the method comprising: causing a processor to, in response to aselection of a first input device, enable a tip formed substantially ofa metal to operate as a cutting device; causing the processor to, inresponse to a selection of a second input device, enable the tip tooperate as a coagulation device; and causing a suction device to, usinga channel defined by the surgical pencil, remove material, whereinsuctioning is provided circumferentially around the tip.
 35. The methodof claim 34, wherein the surgical pencil includes the suction device.36. The method of claim 34, wherein the material includes at least oneof smoke, blood, and tissue.
 37. The method of claim 34, wherein thesurgical pencil includes a light.
 38. The method of claim 34, whereinthe channel is defined by a housing of the surgical pencil.
 39. Themethod of claim 38, wherein the surgical pencil includes: a housing; acylinder portion configured to removably connect to the housing; and ahose connector.
 40. The method of claim 34, which includes retractingthe tip.
 41. The method of claim 34, which includes extending the tip.